My Plate & Place with… James Sharp

After being inspired by recipes from the 3-star chef, his goal was to work at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, which he achieved.

James started as a Commis and progressed through to Sous Chef under the mentorship of Matt Abé. He then took on a new challenge within Gordon Ramsay Restaurants at Pétrus, seeing him manage, grow, and influence the team.

James arrived at Restaurant 1890 in 2022 as the Executive Head chef when the restaurant opened.

What James loves about working in the kitchen is that you can never stop learning – a different cuisine, product, technique, or skill.

Describe your perfect day in London?

My perfect day in London would start with a trip to Richmond Park. It’s one of the best escapes from the pace of the city and somewhere I always find myself going back to. A long walk, some fresh air, and a chance to slow down a little, followed by finishing the day with a pint by the river, simple but hard to beat.

Favourite restaurant?

Andrew Edmunds captures everything I love about London dining. It’s intimate, unpretentious, and completely timeless. The menu is seasonal and changes daily, but for me it’s really about the atmosphere and the wine list, which is exceptional. It feels like one of the last true old Soho restaurants, full of character and consistency.

Best dish in London?

The best dish in London for me is the Apple Tarte Tatin from Restaurant Gordon Ramsay. It’s something so simple, yet so good. You would think it would be easy to replicate, but in reality, the balance of caramelisation, texture, and precision is incredibly difficult to achieve. I have yet to taste one that comes close.

What was the last museum or gallery you visited?

The last exhibition I visited was Marie Antoinette Style at the Victoria and Albert Museum. It was fascinating to see how fashion, craftsmanship, and presentation were used to express identity and status, something that still resonates strongly in hospitality and dining today.

Where are the best places to shop?

I am not much of a shopper, but whenever I am nearby it is hard to resist a bit of window shopping through Burlington Arcade. There is something about the heritage and attention to detail that makes it feel uniquely London.

Preferred bar or pub for a great night out?

My favourite way to spend an evening in London starts with a Guinness at The Devonshire, followed by an Irish Coffee at Bar Swift, and finishing with a Negroni at Bar Termini. Each place does one thing exceptionally well, and that focus is what makes it special.

Most relaxing place to unwind?

Anywhere near the river. I am not naturally a city person, so I always find comfort in London’s green spaces and riverside spots. Whether it is a quiet walk or just sitting and watching things pass by, it is where the city feels at its most calm.

If you had only one day in London, where would you visit?

If I only had one day in London, I would start by ticking off a few of the major landmarks, just to take in the scale and history of the city. From there, I would slow things down with an afternoon stroll through Hyde Park or Green Park, before finishing in Soho for an apéritif and something to eat.

What is your top London tip?

My top London tip is to step away from the hustle of central London when you can and take some time for yourself in one of the city’s many green spaces. It is easy to get caught up in the pace, but places like Richmond Park remind you just how much balance London has to offer.

Tell us what you are currently up to?

At the moment, my most exciting focus outside of the kitchen is looking to get onto the London property market. It is a completely different challenge, so my weekends are currently filled with viewings and getting everything organised, but it is something I am really enjoying and looking forward to.

To find out more about Chef James and Restaurant 1890 follow @restaurant1890gordonramsay @chefjamessharp for all the latest news.